First major Jerry Pinkney retrospective since his death to debut at The Carle
The Carle will host "Soul, Sound, and Voice: The Art of Jerry Pinkney" from June 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027. This is the first major retrospective of the legendary picture book artist since his death in 2021. The exhibition features over 75 works spanning Pinkney's career and explores how music influenced his depictions of American history and African American traditions. Pinkney once said, "I'd like my art to feel the way music sounds," believing music was key to understanding his work. The exhibition was co-organized with Woodmere in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where it debuted in 2025.
Key facts
- Exhibition runs June 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- Features more than 75 works
- First major retrospective since Pinkney's death in 2021
- Co-organized by The Carle and Woodmere
- Debuted at Woodmere in Philadelphia in 2025
- Explores music's influence on Pinkney's work
- Pinkney said: 'I'd like my art to feel the way music sounds'
- Music flows through his depictions of American history and African American traditions
Entities
Artists
- Jerry Pinkney
Institutions
- The Carle
- Woodmere
Locations
- Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania